Mammograms
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What is a mammogram, and why should I have one?
A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray of the breast. It is still the best tool we
have to find breast cancer early and save lives. All women age 40 and older
should have a mammogram every 1-2 years.
What if I notice any changes in my breast?
- Mammograms are very useful, but they cannot find all problems.
- If you notice a change in your breast like a lump, thickening, or liquid leaking
from the nipple, call your doctor or clinic right away.
- Many breast changes are not cancer, but only a doctor can know for sure.
How can I be sure I’m getting the best mammogram?
The FDA enforces The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). MQSA is a
national law that approves all of the places where you can get a mammogram.
This includes:
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Doctors’ offices
- Mammogram vans
The FDA MQSA also makes sure that all of the people who work there have the
right training and education, including the people who:
- test the equipment to make sure it’s working.
- take your mammogram.
- study your mammogram.
What about my results?
- Your results should be mailed to you in 30 days.
- If you don’t get them in 30 days, call the clinic to ask for them.
- If you want a second opinion, or if
you change doctors, the law gives
you the right to keep original
mammograms.
What if I have a major problem with my exam or clinic?
- Talk with the person on staff whose job it is to handle problems and
complaints.
- If your clinic can’t help you, don’t
give up. Find out who approves
your clinic. Make sure to get the
company name, address, and
phone number, and name of a
person you can talk to.
- If that doesn’t fix your problem, call FDA at 1-800-838-7715.
What if I have breast implants?
- When you make your appointment, make sure to say that you have breast implants.
- If the clinic doesn’t accept patients with implants, ask them for the name and phone
number of one that does.
- When you get to your appointment, remind the staff that you have implants.
- You will need a person who is trained to x-ray women with implants. Implants can hide
breast tissue and make it harder to find problems.
What is digital mammography?
Regular mammograms are viewed
on X-ray film. Digital mammograms
are viewed on a computer.
Who should think about having
digital mammography?
- Women under 50 years old.
- Women with “dense” breasts.
(Breasts that have more tissue
than fat.)
- Call your clinic or doctor to see if
digital mammography is right for
you.
To Learn More...
FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health Mammography website:
www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography
Digital mammography website:
www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography/dig-faq.html
National Cancer Institute’s Cancer (NCI)
www.nci.nih.gov/cancertopics/types/breast
National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service
Phone: 1-800-422-6237
TTY/TDD: 1-800-332-8615
FDA’s Office of Women’s Health
www.fda.gov/womens
2007